Is this a Coles Morton boat?

[toekneep]

We have been looking at a boat today and it has this manufacturer's plate on it. I can't find a reference anywhere to A R Morton builders so was wondering if it might be a Coles Morton. It was built in 2006.

 

 

Thanks

[David Schweizer]

Whether this is a Coles Morton boat I do not know, but I rather doubt it. I knew them in the late 1970s when they operated out of the Wharf shed at Whaley Bridge, and the name of the owner was actually Morton Coles, which does not explain the A R Morton name on the plate.

Edited September 27, 2016 by David Schweizer

[David Mack]

I think Coles Morton stoped building boats long before 2006.

[Iain_S]

Manufacturer's code on the H.I.N. might give a clue.

[toekneep]

Thank you David and David for the info.

 

 

Manufacturer's code on the H.I.N. might give a clue.

Never thought to obtain that Iain but if we pursue the purchase further I'll try and get hold of it. Thanks for the tip.

[BruceinSanity]

There's a Boston Belle listed on CanalPlan as being built by Liverpool Boats in 2005. I wonder if this boat was an owner fitout sailaway?

[toekneep]

There's a Boston Belle listed on CanalPlan as being built by Liverpool Boats in 2005. I wonder if this boat was an owner fitout sailaway?

Thanks for that. It's 58' so it looks like it is probably one of the Liverpool boats listed on there.

[Athy]

Liverpool boats from that period have a distinctive bow design. If you can show us a photo of the pointy end, we would immediately be able to establish whether or not it's a Liverpool shell.

[David Mack]

A photo of the bows will confirm if it is a Liverpool boat.

[toekneep]

Liverpool boats from that period have a distinctive bow design. If you can show us a photo of the pointy end, we would immediately be able to establish whether or not it's a Liverpool shell.

 

 

A photo of the bows will confirm if it is a Liverpool boat.

 

Sorry I don't have a photo and as far as we know it isn't listed on line. If we go to look at it again I'll get a photo.

[Athy]

Someone technically cleverer than me (i.e. most of you) could perhaps post a photo of a Liverpool bow which TK might recognise.

[Naughty Cal]

Thanks for that. It's 58' so it looks like it is probably one of the Liverpool boats listed on there.

Is it a 58ft widebeam with a wooden wheel house by any chance?

[toekneep]

Is it a 58ft widebeam with a wooden wheel house by any chance?

No it's narrow. I'm not sure I should say any more in case somebody goes and buys it! :-)

[bizzard]

I passed a new Coles Moreton trad on the Lea in about 1997, painted black, It had a RN 2 cylinder engine.

[Neil2]

IIRC Coles Morton went out of business in the mid 1980's. They used to favour Bukh engines and the company TW Marine at Furness Vale I think was started by Willy Webb a former employee. They did start in Whalley Bridge but I believe had several bases at the height of their powers. I think they used to build boats for Viking Afloat. My memory is a bit sketchy, happy to be corrected by anyone who has a better one!

[John Brightley]

Just to confirm Coles Morton Marine went out of business in 1982.

[Neil2]

Just to confirm Coles Morton Marine went out of business in 1982.

 

That makes sense. The early years of the first Thatcher administration did for a lot of boat builders and hire companies.

[John Brightley]

 

That makes sense. The early years of the first Thatcher administration did for a lot of boat builders and hire companies.

Coles Morton were so desperate to get trade in the summer of 1981 they were offering 2 weeks for the price of one - we had a good holiday with them that year.